# Hidden text: what it is and how it works · Zorraquino
> Hidden text is a black hat SEO technique that places text or links visible to search engines but not to people.
URL: https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/digital-marketing/hidden-text.html

# Hidden text

Hidden text is a black hat SEO technique that involves placing text or links on a page that search engines can read but people cannot see, in an attempt to manipulate rankings

What it means, how it is used and where it comes up, with its related concepts.

[The whole glossary](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary)

## What it is and how it works

The classic methods were writing in the same colour as the background, using a tiny font size or hiding text behind images. Later, CSS was used to position it off-screen or make it fully transparent. Google includes it in its spam policies and may apply manual actions.

Not all hidden content is deceptive: tabs, accordions, drop-down menus, image alt text and text intended for screen readers are legitimate design and accessibility practices. The difference lies in the intent and in whether the content is available and useful to people.

Also known as

Hidden text and links, Invisible text

Topics

[Marketing and sales](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/category/marketing-y-ventas)

## Related concepts

- [Black hat SEO](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/digital-marketing/black-hat.html)
- [Cloaking](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/digital-marketing/cloaking.html)
- [Keyword stuffing](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/digital-marketing/spamming-keywords.html)